Mexico Simplifies 42 Mining and Extractive Procedures

The Ministry of Economy (SE) simplified 42 administrative procedures and eliminated one linked to mining and extractive activities. The measures represent the most extensive operational modification to mining procedures since the 2023 Mining Law reform. In other news, approximately 2,000 workers at Newmont’s Peñasquito mine in Zacatecas will receive individual profit-sharing payments of up to MX$1.5 million (US$85,987.98). 

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Mexico Cuts Mining Procedures in Administrative Overhaul

SE simplified 42 administrative procedures and eliminated one linked to mining and extractive activities, under an agreement signed by Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard on May 11, 2026, and published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF). The measures took effect the following business day and represent the most extensive operational modification to mining procedures since the 2023 Mining Law reform.

Trump Cuts Some Section 232 Metal Tariffs, Adds New Ones

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on June 1 modifying Section 232 national security tariffs on select steel, aluminum, and copper imports, reducing rates on some products while adding new categories to the tariff schedule. The changes take effect June 8 and remain in place through Dec. 31, 2027.

Orla Mining Resumes Camino Rojo Ops After Illegal Blockade

Orla Mining resumed operations at its Camino Rojo gold and silver mine in Zacatecas, Mexico on June 5, 2026, after an illegal work stoppage and blockade by unionized workers that halted production for four days. With operations back online, the company reiterated its 2026 gold production guidance for the mine of 110,000oz to 120,000oz.

Minera Frisco Worker Dies in Zacatecas Mine Accident

A worker at Minera Frisco's El Coronel mining unit died June 1, 2026, after sustaining injuries while repairing a heavy-load truck tire at the facility's maintenance workshop in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas. The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. and proved fatal almost immediately, according to a statement issued by the company.

How Geopolitical Tensions Are Reshaping Latin American Mining

Elio Cespedes Bravo, Executive General Manager Hispanic Latam, Datamine, considers that global conflicts, trade disputes, and international competition for critical minerals have transformed geopolitics into a primary force shaping mining investment and supply chains across Latin America. He notes that rising commodity price volatility, inflationary pressures, and a global push toward friendshoring are forcing regional operators to prioritize digital transformation and regulatory predictability over simple geological potential.

ICSID Panel Dismisses Silver Bull Claim Against Mexico

SE announced that the World Bank’s International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ruled in favor of the Mexican government in an international arbitration case brought by Silver Bull Resources, which filed a claim in June 2023 seeking damages in excess of US$315 million against Mexico. The legal dispute was initiated under the framework of NAFTA and USMCA. 

Peñasquito to Distribute MX$3.3 Billion in PTU

Approximately 2,000 workers at the Peñasquito mine will receive individual profit-sharing payments of up to MX$1.5 million (US$85,987.98), the highest reported per-worker payment in Mexico's mining sector, following a collective bargaining agreement between Newmont Corporation and the National Union of Mining, Metallurgical, Iron, Steel and Similar Workers of the Mexican Republic (SNTMMSSRM). The total distribution amounts to MX$3.358 billion, equivalent to the full 10% of the company's profits as mandated under Mexican law.